Dis·a·bil·i·ty /,disəˈbilədē/
Noun: 1. physical or mental condition that affects a person's movements, senses, or activities. 2. disadvantage, especially imposed or recognized by the law.
In·tel /ˈintel/
Noun: Information of political value.
Dis·a·bil·i·ty In·tel /,disəˈbilədē ˈintel / Noun: Blog dedicated to news summaries, personal interests, and professional editorials related to disability as a social and political construct.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
School District Approves Anti-Bullying Books with Disability Themes
In California, the AlamedaSchool District approved has just approved a new reading list of 21 books focused on themes such as disability, religion, race, and sexual orientation to help elementary students learn about groups who face discrimination and stereotyping. The effort is aimed a reducing bullying, especially of individuals from potentially vulnerable groups and minorities.
The approved list is not without controversy, however, as some parents raised concerns about the inclusion of books related to sexual orientation. Nonetheless, Patricia Sanders, President of the Alameda Education Association supports the approval.
SOURCE:
“Alameda school board approves books to help curb bullying”
I have been a teacher for the past seven years (1st through 3rd) and I definitely feel like we are suppose to pretend the issues of disability, sexuality, and race and religion don’t exist. Every year, during Christmas, we cautiously avoid the issue of religion out of fear that a parent might get offended and complain to the Superintendent. Two years ago, a new teacher allowed students to color a picture of the baby Jesus. Parents called the Superintend the next day. Then, the Principal called the teacher to her office; several of the students were interviewed and she was ordered to take down the pictures from the bulletin board. The six year olds quickly learned; don’t mention God in school, “only in church and at home.” One year, a little boy, in First grade, wanted to carry a purse to school. The teacher sent him to the Counselors office and parents and administrators were called. We are also not allowed to openly explain another student’s disability with their classmates. A couple of years ago, we had a student who was blind in our classroom. The Counselor (not the teacher) came to the class to “introduce” our new student. Most sadly, students with ADHD and intellectual disabilities are ostracized by their peers because the other students can’t understand, “why can’t they behave.” I am glad that the school added these 20 books and most importantly approved the curriculum. I know that discussing these topics is going to be stressful for the teachers because these issues have been ignored for such a long time. Hopefully, the parents and the community can be accepting of these issues. B. Ramirez
B's comments were enlightening but, sadly, not surprising. People tend to think children cannot handle important issues without realizing that without speaking openly about these issues, children develop a distorted view of what is acceptable and what is not. I think book lists that openly showcase different lifestyles are extremely beneficial to children. I believe children should be taught early to accept others. Children tend to model themselves after their parents. When they see or hear their parent object to letting them read these books, they may begin to think that being different is weird and wrong.
It is great that the school district is taking a great approach to educating children on differences that have traditionally been grounds for discrimination. I think education the children on these difference is the best way to help them learn that acceptance is important to all, no matter the race, abilities, or choices in life style that one chooses to make. This is especially important to consider when we talk about sexual orientation. I have my views on homosexuality that are influences by my deep faith and beliefs in my religion, but I still respect all those who think differently because the difference in lifestyle does not make them less of a person than I. They are still people as you and I. I think that is what parents that oppose this change need to keep in mind. All people should be respected. If this proposition already experiences opposition it is because the negative and discriminating mentality is still thin the minds of the parents. The school is trying to make a good faith attempt and effort to help the children grow in a positive society, but the parents are the ones that we have difficulty reaching. I think the fact that there is so much bullying and discrimination is only a representation of what parents have taught their children.
As a middle school teacher, I can absolutely relate to B’s account. Bullying is a topic that without question has to be addressed in our schools. We have a responsibility to teach our children the respect, tolerance, and acceptance that unfortunately they may not be being taught at home. Incorporating lessons using books about different groups of people and teaching our kids to embrace the differences that make us unique is a wonderful way to battle stereotypes and discrimination in our schools. I do, however, feel that at the lower elementary level, books about sexual orientation might not be appropriate. When the parent has not discussed the topic, I do not feel that as educators, we have the right to introduce it. The goal is to make students understand that what makes the world we live in beautiful is the diversity of the people living in it. This message, I feel, can be conveyed without the need to discuss sexually related topics, which personally, I feel at the elementary level are not age-appropriate.
I believe this is a great idea for Walgreens to do. You don’t see this often, business’s advertising to hire people with disabilities. It probably brought a lot of smiles to people. As it is, it’s hard finding a job period with a disability or not. I can’t imagine how people out there don’t have a job just because of their disability. There are a lot of jobs that will not hire someone because of their disability. They don’t want to accommodate to their needs which is very sad. Everyone deserves a chance, especially people with disabilities. I bet Walgreens made a lot of wishes come true. This makes people with disabilities bring hope to their life. A lot of them give up and think that there is no chance for them out here, but there truly is someone with a heart. Even people with disabilities can live their dream and make it come true.
I believe that this is such a great way to be able to take education a bit further with respect to humanity. If this type of education is not instilled in the home, the second best place is of course in the educational institutions. I feel this is a positive proactive move which can only be a learning process. These books will serve to broaden the minds of young individuals who will eventually be mainstreamed into "life" and will someday cross paths with individuals who are different than they are. Being able to educate students on the unique broad spectrum of individuals who fall under different developmental, religious, racial, and sexual orientations from them, can only provide them with enrichment, knowledge, and diversity. It allows an individual to be open minded and aware instead of narrow-minded and ignorant. You cannot try and blind a person from life and all the differences that exist in it. I believe this is a beautiful education bestowed on students. After all we all are ONE and can only move forward with love. This begins through education.
It does not surprise me that a school district in California has approved children’s books in relation to sexual orientation. I am very fond of the idea of children reading books in effort of reducing future stereotypical views based on an individuals disability, religion, and race, but not so much based on their sexual orientation. I believe that any conversation about puberty, sexual intercourse, and the dynamics of sexual orientation is a conversation parents should be having privately with their child when they so desire. A child reading a book about sexual orientation prior to their parents having a conversation with them, will only confuse the child and possibly will result in the child questioning his or hers values and morals that their parents instilled in them since childhood. Over all, In my opinion I believe the children are too young to be reading about sexual orientation. Having the children read about this issue seems less about educating the child and more about the indoctrination of the child. -Sukania Mendez
Well after reading this article, I can see how some parents can raise a concern on some of the topic, but on the otherhand I think that its great that this school district is providing awareness to the different themes such as disabilities. This actually in my opinion children a different way of thinking,as well as it can provided an awareness of being opent to communicating with others. Overall pretty interesting article. ALINA LIMON
As an educator I have been around to see that these types of books are needed. I know also as a parent we sometimes feel like we aren’t suppose to talk about these issues especially sexuality. As parents and teachers we can’t pretend these issues don’t exist. I first hand had to talk to my children at an early age about same sex couples because one of my sisters is a lesbian. My sister was raised a Christian so you can imagine how my family took the news. Well time pasted and we have accepted my sister choice cause we love her no matter what. My kids of course started to see my sister with her girlfriend and they had lots of questions. Now when they see couples like my sisters situation they don’t feel negative about it. They understand cause of our talks. Although some people might find it wrong it really does help to talk about personal issues even though it might be uncomfortable. I am glad that the school district is adding books that give information to kids about different issues, but I personally feel it’s the parent’s responsibility not the schools. Tanya D.
I think it's a good idea to begin informing school children at an early age on themes such as disability, religion, race, and sexual orientation. I have the belief that the more an individual is informed the better prepared he/she will be in order to make decisions and/or judgements about topics such as the ones already mentioned. I think this measure will help make better citizens and thus a better country. We will all benefit from this.
This is wonderful and I am so happy that it got approved. This is a topic that needs to be discussed in the schools. It seems that now a days everything is taboo in the school system. You have to be careful what you say and how you say it. What is this really teaching our children...how to keep things bottled up and not deal with the issues at hand. When I was with the school district we were not allowed to speak of another child's disability to the general population. So I had some special ed and general ed students that I was doing speech therapy services for. When a general ed student would ask I could not respond and the child would just make their own judgements without being given an explanation. This is how sterotypes and bullying start. If you can't explain something to a child they are left with holes and assumptions. I am really glad that this passed!! It's a start.
I think this new approved reading list will definitely help to lower the amount of bullying committed by young children. Many people do not see the need in educating children on these issues because they believe that children have kind hearts and will accept people who are different from them unconditionally. This is simply not true, we need to educate our children on different people including disabilities, race, religion, gender, etc. Once they understand how bullying can effect others it should help to reduce the occurrence of bullying. I think it's a wonderful idea.
It is a good idea for children to learn about disabilities, religion, race and sex orientation because children can learn if you are honest, and if you are able to discuss this matter in a way they would understand. Now and days children are more alert about this issues. I really do feel for the teachers because they have a lot of issues that they have to consider and be very careful not to offend any parent or student. Another issue is that bullying has become a big problem my son who is 8 was being bullied and it really brought his self-esteem down it affected his grades and did not want to attend school. I had to speak with the teacher, then the counselor and finally speak with the principal after seeing my son fighting with a 5th grader because he just could not stand the fact he was being bullied. It was sad that I had to go through all this because the teacher could not handle the situation. Finally the counselor went to the class gave a lecture on bullying and the consequences that can occur. My son is doing a lot better now because the fact that they take about it to the students that should had been done at the beginning of the school year and son would not have gone through this.
These new anti-bullying books with disability themes are going to be very helpful in helping kids understand what bullying and stereotyping can do. Many kids today mistreated by other students because of their race and culture, and disability. I have a seven year old cousin who just moved here from mexico, who was bullied because she was from mexcio. She was teased, ignored and once they poured glue on her hair. Her mother wasn't aware until she would ask various questions about her nationality, and if they had money or not? I was ashamed that such districts would allow mistreatment of children, when her mother went to talk to the teacher, the teacher said that she was having alot of difficulty with that student, and she was going to report it to the counselor. But that was it. I have not seen my cousin or my aunt to see if the treatment has changed, but this treatment should not be happening in school settings. I have heard various complaints from other individuals regading bulling and the school district justgives it a slap on the rist. It is important for the students to understand what bullying is and what a person who is being bellied can feel. SO, being able to prove books in school should be very beneficial.
I am excited to hear that a school district has approved the introduction of anti-bullying reading material. I hope it will expand the minds of their kids. I hope that parents were informed and their opinions on the matter heard prior to the approval. Most of all, I hope they were offer the option to vote. I know that a lot of times complaints from specific parents bring about change that irritates others. For example, I do not agree with the removal of school prayer just because some parents who don’t believe in god or parents of other religions complained about the established prayer. Why is it that my beliefs can be trampled because they don’t approve of them? I don’t mind the introduction of new material as long as it doesn’t cause the omission of what is in place unless the material is incorrect. I also agree that there are too many restrictions on the methods teacher use to motivate students. It is bad enough that teaching is restricted to TAKS material and many courses no long have books. In my opinion we are becoming to close to being communist, we are being told what to teach, what we can and cannot worship, what can or can’t be feed to the children and what a teacher can or can’t do. The only difference is that in our country teachers don’t disappear… yet. Getting back to the topic,I would like to read those books and learn what my kids are going to learn from them. The kids will still need guidance on those topics. Just because they read about race, disabilities or sexual orientation doesn’t mean they grasp the entire concept. A. Lazo
I believe that it is good for children to learn about these themes at an early age so that they can be exposed and not have negative or no education on themes such as disability, religion, race, and sexual orientation. As we have learned those that are exposed or involved with those who have a disability tend to be more open and be less discriminative. The more an individual is informed the better they will be in certain situations. There will be parents that will be against this, but it is important to acknowledge these topics because they will be part of everyday life when the students are on their own. I believe that if children are not exposed they might not accept others for whom or how they are because they were not educated. James D.
Religion, race, sexual orientation and disability are inevitilbe factors that color the spectrum of society. To ignore any of these would be a great injustice for the students who will have too learn about them through the non-educated opinions and statements of their peers. If we fail to educate students about about what society awaits for them when they leave the classroom, they will be ill-equipped to handle these situations and may fall victim to prejudice and hateful behavior.
I am a teacher in an Elementary School and I feel that this was long overdue. I've seen how a lot of the students with disabilities are bullied by other kids that are ignorant about the topic. anti-bullying books with disability themes will hopefully bring awareness and shed some light on topic. Bullying is never ok and especially kids need to learn that early on so that they don't grow up with that mentality. I am very glad that this resource will now be available.
As a third grade teacher for 2 years and substitute teaching for 2 years I am pleased to see the state of California Alameda School District recognizing that bullying cannot go unnoticed. Kids, who are different regardless of disability, race etc face a tremendous amount of bullying and teasing. I have seen it personally. I really feel that by having school aged books that focus on the consequences and the affect of bullying on kids can educate the bullies of today’s schools and perhaps see a different side of them. I really feel that bullies usually have problems of their own and act out to others who are vulnerable just to get some kind of attention. I also feel that book writers need to consider writing more books on ways to help the bullies as well. With today’s high teenage suicide rate I think Alameda School district did a great deed for our kids of today and tomorrow. Emede Reyes
I surely enough support and approve of this. Adding these books will help children learn and help understand society a little more. One only revolves and learns what we have at home and we are not taught about other religion or disabilities, race, and sexual orientation. For one parents tend not to want to touch the sexual topic. Persons with disabilities I remember asking my mother what is wrong with that person and my mother replied she is sick but really she was paraplegic. As far as for religion we think that there is only one the one we go but really there is more and we should respect that. When I was in 4th grade a remember that every time that we had a party in the class there was this student there who could never eat what we ate or even be there in the party. I ended up understanding that like when I was older. If we would have be more educated on that I could have understand a lot of things so yes I agree. It will come as a great benefit to all the children and they should add on all schools.
It's great to know that our educational system is finally recognizing these issues in the school systems. It's sad to know that you cannot send your child to school without worrying about bullying or being singled out by others. Our children can be educated on accepting others for who they are and understanding that everyone has special qualities in them that no one else has. I hope this continues through all grade levels since this is seen frequently in older students.
23 comments:
I have been a teacher for the past seven years (1st through 3rd) and I definitely feel like we are suppose to pretend the issues of disability, sexuality, and race and religion don’t exist. Every year, during Christmas, we cautiously avoid the issue of religion out of fear that a parent might get offended and complain to the Superintendent. Two years ago, a new teacher allowed students to color a picture of the baby Jesus. Parents called the Superintend the next day. Then, the Principal called the teacher to her office; several of the students were interviewed and she was ordered to take down the pictures from the bulletin board. The six year olds quickly learned; don’t mention God in school, “only in church and at home.”
One year, a little boy, in First grade, wanted to carry a purse to school. The teacher sent him to the Counselors office and parents and administrators were called. We are also not allowed to openly explain another student’s disability with their classmates. A couple of years ago, we had a student who was blind in our classroom. The Counselor (not the teacher) came to the class to “introduce” our new student. Most sadly, students with ADHD and intellectual disabilities are ostracized by their peers because the other students can’t understand, “why can’t they behave.”
I am glad that the school added these 20 books and most importantly approved the curriculum. I know that discussing these topics is going to be stressful for the teachers because these issues have been ignored for such a long time. Hopefully, the parents and the community can be accepting of these issues.
B. Ramirez
B- I found your comments so moving! I know the limits placed on teachers have many unintended consequences.
B's comments were enlightening but, sadly, not surprising. People tend to think children cannot handle important issues without realizing that without speaking openly about these issues, children develop a distorted view of what is acceptable and what is not. I think book lists that openly showcase different lifestyles are extremely beneficial to children. I believe children should be taught early to accept others. Children tend to model themselves after their parents. When they see or hear their parent object to letting them read these books, they may begin to think that being different is weird and wrong.
It is great that the school district is taking a great approach to educating children on differences that have traditionally been grounds for discrimination. I think education the children on these difference is the best way to help them learn that acceptance is important to all, no matter the race, abilities, or choices in life style that one chooses to make. This is especially important to consider when we talk about sexual orientation. I have my views on homosexuality that are influences by my deep faith and beliefs in my religion, but I still respect all those who think differently because the difference in lifestyle does not make them less of a person than I. They are still people as you and I. I think that is what parents that oppose this change need to keep in mind. All people should be respected. If this proposition already experiences opposition it is because the negative and discriminating mentality is still thin the minds of the parents. The school is trying to make a good faith attempt and effort to help the children grow in a positive society, but the parents are the ones that we have difficulty reaching. I think the fact that there is so much bullying and discrimination is only a representation of what parents have taught their children.
As a middle school teacher, I can absolutely relate to B’s account. Bullying is a topic that without question has to be addressed in our schools. We have a responsibility to teach our children the respect, tolerance, and acceptance that unfortunately they may not be being taught at home. Incorporating lessons using books about different groups of people and teaching our kids to embrace the differences that make us unique is a wonderful way to battle stereotypes and discrimination in our schools. I do, however, feel that at the lower elementary level, books about sexual orientation might not be appropriate. When the parent has not discussed the topic, I do not feel that as educators, we have the right to introduce it. The goal is to make students understand that what makes the world we live in beautiful is the diversity of the people living in it. This message, I feel, can be conveyed without the need to discuss sexually related topics, which personally, I feel at the elementary level are not age-appropriate.
I believe this is a great idea for Walgreens to do. You don’t see this often, business’s advertising to hire people with disabilities. It probably brought a lot of smiles to people. As it is, it’s hard finding a job period with a disability or not. I can’t imagine how people out there don’t have a job just because of their disability. There are a lot of jobs that will not hire someone because of their disability. They don’t want to accommodate to their needs which is very sad. Everyone deserves a chance, especially people with disabilities. I bet Walgreens made a lot of wishes come true. This makes people with disabilities bring hope to their life. A lot of them give up and think that there is no chance for them out here, but there truly is someone with a heart. Even people with disabilities can live their dream and make it come true.
Jennifer Valerio
I believe that this is such a great way to be able to take education a bit further with respect to humanity. If this type of education is not instilled in the home, the second best place is of course in the educational institutions. I feel this is a positive proactive move which can only be a learning process. These books will serve to broaden the minds of young individuals who will eventually be mainstreamed into "life" and will someday cross paths with individuals who are different than they are. Being able to educate students on the unique broad spectrum of individuals who fall under different developmental, religious, racial, and sexual orientations from them, can only provide them with enrichment, knowledge, and diversity. It allows an individual to be open minded and aware instead of narrow-minded and ignorant. You cannot try and blind a person from life and all the differences that exist in it. I believe this is a beautiful education bestowed on students. After all we all are ONE and can only move forward with love. This begins through education.
It does not surprise me that a school district in California has approved children’s books in relation to sexual orientation. I am very fond of the idea of children reading books in effort of reducing future stereotypical views based on an individuals disability, religion, and race, but not so much based on their sexual orientation. I believe that any conversation about puberty, sexual intercourse, and the dynamics of sexual orientation is a conversation parents should be having privately with their child when they so desire. A child reading a book about sexual orientation prior to their parents having a conversation with them, will only confuse the child and possibly will result in the child questioning his or hers values and morals that their parents instilled in them since childhood. Over all, In my opinion I believe the children are too young to be reading about sexual orientation. Having the children read about this issue seems less about educating the child and more about the indoctrination of the child.
-Sukania Mendez
Well after reading this article, I can see how some parents can raise a concern on some of the topic, but on the otherhand I think that its great that this school district is providing awareness to the different themes such as disabilities. This actually in my opinion children a different way of thinking,as well as it can provided an awareness of being opent to communicating with others. Overall pretty interesting article.
ALINA LIMON
As an educator I have been around to see that these types of books are needed. I know also as a parent we sometimes feel like we aren’t suppose to talk about these issues especially sexuality. As parents and teachers we can’t pretend these issues don’t exist. I first hand had to talk to my children at an early age about same sex couples because one of my sisters is a lesbian. My sister was raised a Christian so you can imagine how my family took the news. Well time pasted and we have accepted my sister choice cause we love her no matter what. My kids of course started to see my sister with her girlfriend and they had lots of questions. Now when they see couples like my sisters situation they don’t feel negative about it. They understand cause of our talks. Although some people might find it wrong it really does help to talk about personal issues even though it might be uncomfortable. I am glad that the school district is adding books that give information to kids about different issues, but I personally feel it’s the parent’s responsibility not the schools.
Tanya D.
I think it's a good idea to begin informing school children at an early age on themes such as disability, religion, race, and sexual orientation. I have the belief that the more an individual is informed the better prepared he/she will be in order to make decisions and/or judgements about topics such as the ones already mentioned. I think this measure will help make better citizens and thus a better country. We will all benefit from this.
A.Huerta
This is wonderful and I am so happy that it got approved. This is a topic that needs to be discussed in the schools. It seems that now a days everything is taboo in the school system. You have to be careful what you say and how you say it. What is this really teaching our children...how to keep things bottled up and not deal with the issues at hand. When I was with the school district we were not allowed to speak of another child's disability to the general population. So I had some special ed and general ed students that I was doing speech therapy services for. When a general ed student would ask I could not respond and the child would just make their own judgements without being given an explanation. This is how sterotypes and bullying start. If you can't explain something to a child they are left with holes and assumptions. I am really glad that this passed!! It's a start.
Cris Gonzalez
I think this new approved reading list will definitely help to lower the amount of bullying committed by young children. Many people do not see the need in educating children on these issues because they believe that children have kind hearts and will accept people who are different from them unconditionally. This is simply not true, we need to educate our children on different people including disabilities, race, religion, gender, etc. Once they understand how bullying can effect others it should help to reduce the occurrence of bullying. I think it's a wonderful idea.
It is a good idea for children to learn about disabilities, religion, race and sex orientation because children can learn if you are honest, and if you are able to discuss this matter in a way they would understand. Now and days children are more alert about this issues. I really do feel for the teachers because they have a lot of issues that they have to consider and be very careful not to offend any parent or student. Another issue is that bullying has become a big problem my son who is 8 was being bullied and it really brought his self-esteem down it affected his grades and did not want to attend school. I had to speak with the teacher, then the counselor and finally speak with the principal after seeing my son fighting with a 5th grader because he just could not stand the fact he was being bullied. It was sad that I had to go through all this because the teacher could not handle the situation. Finally the counselor went to the class gave a lecture on bullying and the consequences that can occur. My son is doing a lot better now because the fact that they take about it to the students that should had been done at the beginning of the school year and son would not have gone through this.
These new anti-bullying books with disability themes are going to be very helpful in helping kids understand what bullying and stereotyping can do. Many kids today mistreated by other students because of their race and culture, and disability. I have a seven year old cousin who just moved here from mexico, who was bullied because she was from mexcio. She was teased, ignored and once they poured glue on her hair. Her mother wasn't aware until she would ask various questions about her nationality, and if they had money or not? I was ashamed that such districts would allow mistreatment of children, when her mother went to talk to the teacher, the teacher said that she was having alot of difficulty with that student, and she was going to report it to the counselor. But that was it. I have not seen my cousin or my aunt to see if the treatment has changed, but this treatment should not be happening in school settings. I have heard various complaints from other individuals regading bulling and the school district justgives it a slap on the rist. It is important for the students to understand what bullying is and what a person who is being bellied can feel. SO, being able to prove books in school should be very beneficial.
Nancy L.
I am excited to hear that a school district has approved the introduction of anti-bullying reading material. I hope it will expand the minds of their kids. I hope that parents were informed and their opinions on the matter heard prior to the approval. Most of all, I hope they were offer the option to vote. I know that a lot of times complaints from specific parents bring about change that irritates others. For example, I do not agree with the removal of school prayer just because some parents who don’t believe in god or parents of other religions complained about the established prayer. Why is it that my beliefs can be trampled because they don’t approve of them? I don’t mind the introduction of new material as long as it doesn’t cause the omission of what is in place unless the material is incorrect. I also agree that there are too many restrictions on the methods teacher use to motivate students. It is bad enough that teaching is restricted to TAKS material and many courses no long have books. In my opinion we are becoming to close to being communist, we are being told what to teach, what we can and cannot worship, what can or can’t be feed to the children and what a teacher can or can’t do. The only difference is that in our country teachers don’t disappear… yet. Getting back to the topic,I would like to read those books and learn what my kids are going to learn from them. The kids will still need guidance on those topics. Just because they read about race, disabilities or sexual orientation doesn’t mean they grasp the entire concept.
A. Lazo
I believe that it is good for children to learn about these themes at an early age so that they can be exposed and not have negative or no education on themes such as disability, religion, race, and sexual orientation. As we have learned those that are exposed or involved with those who have a disability tend to be more open and be less discriminative. The more an individual is informed the better they will be in certain situations. There will be parents that will be against this, but it is important to acknowledge these topics because they will be part of everyday life when the students are on their own. I believe that if children are not exposed they might not accept others for whom or how they are because they were not educated.
James D.
Religion, race, sexual orientation and disability are inevitilbe factors that color the spectrum of society. To ignore any of these would be a great injustice for the students who will have too learn about them through the non-educated opinions and statements of their peers. If we fail to educate students about about what society awaits for them when they leave the classroom, they will be ill-equipped to handle these situations and may fall victim to prejudice and hateful behavior.
I am a teacher in an Elementary School and I feel that this was long overdue. I've seen how a lot of the students with disabilities are bullied by other kids that are ignorant about the topic. anti-bullying books with disability themes will hopefully bring awareness and shed some light on topic. Bullying is never ok and especially kids need to learn that early on so that they don't grow up with that mentality. I am very glad that this resource will now be available.
Crystal L. Chiu
As a third grade teacher for 2 years and substitute teaching for 2 years I am pleased to see the state of California Alameda School District recognizing that bullying cannot go unnoticed. Kids, who are different regardless of disability, race etc face a tremendous amount of bullying and teasing. I have seen it personally. I really feel that by having school aged books that focus on the consequences and the affect of bullying on kids can educate the bullies of today’s schools and perhaps see a different side of them. I really feel that bullies usually have problems of their own and act out to others who are vulnerable just to get some kind of attention. I also feel that book writers need to consider writing more books on ways to help the bullies as well. With today’s high teenage suicide rate I think Alameda School district did a great deed for our kids of today and tomorrow.
Emede Reyes
I surely enough support and approve of this. Adding these books will help children learn and help understand society a little more. One only revolves and learns what we have at home and we are not taught about other religion or disabilities, race, and sexual orientation. For one parents tend not to want to touch the sexual topic. Persons with disabilities I remember asking my mother what is wrong with that person and my mother replied she is sick but really she was paraplegic. As far as for religion we think that there is only one the one we go but really there is more and we should respect that. When I was in 4th grade a remember that every time that we had a party in the class there was this student there who could never eat what we ate or even be there in the party. I ended up understanding that like when I was older. If we would have be more educated on that I could have understand a lot of things so yes I agree. It will come as a great benefit to all the children and they should add on all schools.
It's great to know that our educational system is finally recognizing these issues in the school systems. It's sad to know that you cannot send your child to school without worrying about bullying or being singled out by others. Our children can be educated on accepting others for who they are and understanding that everyone has special qualities in them that no one else has. I hope this continues through all grade levels since this is seen frequently in older students.
-Anna L. Ocanas
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